Penang, Malaysia, May 4: It has been a grind for Argentina’s Miguel Carballo, but he still managed to card a two-under-par 70 on round three to stay in the lead at the PGM Penang Championship on Friday.

The 39-year-old made three birdies against a lone bogey to lead by one shot on 13-under-par 203 total. Thailand’s Nitithorn Thippong returned a 67 to finish the day in second place, while Japan’s Shinichi Mizuno and Malcolm Kokocinski carded 68 and 69 respectively to share third place at the RM225,000 (approximately US$58,000) event.

Wilson Choo is the highest ranked local in the field. The 28-year-old Malaysian started the day in tied-16th and has moved up to tied-ninth after carding a 68 at the Bukit Jawi Golf Resort.

Carballo, a two-time winner on the Web.com Tour, is confident of victory and he will be focusing on the task at hand when he tees off in the final group tomorrow. 

“This has been the most difficult day for me in the tournament so far. I wasn’t feeling my game, and I didn’t have control over my drives, second shots and putts. Despite the challenges, I very happy as I still managed to score two-under-par,” said Carballo.

“I’m in a good position to win but you can never be certain in golf. Tomorrow is yet another day. I’ll concentrate on playing my game and everything will sort itself out,” he added.

The PGM Penang Championship is the seventh leg of the 2018 ADT schedule this year. It is also the ADT’s third stop in Malaysia. Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points are offered on all ADT events with the winner earning a total of six OWGR points while the top-six players and ties earn points on a sliding scale.

The leading five players on the ADT Order of Merit at the end of the season will earn playing rights on the premier Asian Tour for the 2019 season.

For more information on the ADT, please visit www.asiandevelopmenttour.com.

Leading second round scores:

203 – Miguel CARBALLO (ARG) 65 68 70

204 – Nitithorn THIPPONG (THA) 70 67 67

206 – Shinichi MIZUNO (JPN) 71 67 68, Malcolm KOKOCINSKI (SWE) 70 67 69

207 – Donlaphatchai NIYOMCHON (THA) 69 70 68, Mathiam KEYSER (RSA) 69 69 69

208 – Sydney CHUNG (USA) 72 68 68, Oscar ZETTERWALL (SWE) 70 68 70

209 – Wilson CHOO (MAS) 70 71 68, Ratchapol JANTAVARA (THA) 68 69 72, Yutaka ARAKI (JPN) 71 65 73, Sam GILLIS (USA) 68 66 75

210 – Justin DE LOS SANTOS (USA) 67 73 70, Kwanchai TANNIN (THA) 70 69 71, Adam BLYTH (AUS) 68 73 69, Namchok TANTIPOKHAKUL (THA) 73 69 68

211 – Poom PATTAROPONG (THA) 72 72 67, Andrew PARK (USA) 69 72 70, Shohei HASEGAWA (JPN) 69 70 72, Nirun SAE-UENG (THA) 70 68 73, Johnson POH (SGP) 73 70 68, Panuwat MUENLEK (THA) 68 74 69

212 – Sukree OTHMAN (MAS) 69 72 71

213 – Shariffuddin ARIFFIN (MAS) 70 75 68

214 – S. Siva Chandhran (MAS) 73 70 71, Ye Htet AUNG (MYN) 74 69 71, Mohammad WAFIYUDDIN (MAS) 69 72 73, John Michael O’TOOLE (USA) 71 71 72, KHOR Kheng Hwai (MAS) 67 75 72, Kieran PRATT (AUS) 72 70 72

Ends.

About Asian Development Tour

The Asian Development Tour was launched in 2010 with the aim of creating a career pathway for professional golfers in Asia. Sanctioned by the Asian Tour, the Asian Development Tour will ultimately create a new playing platform for emerging stars from across Asia and around the world. Through the Asian Tour Qualifying School, players will qualify for the Asian Development Tour and enjoy the opportunity to hone their games and talent through a secondary circuit in Asia. Designed in the same structure as the Web.com Tour in America and European Challenge Tour, the Asian Development Tour is a stepping stone to the Asian Tour and the exciting world of international golf. The Asian Development Tour has been structured to ensure the best opportunities for its members. The leading five players on the Asian Development Tour will earn coveted Asian Tour cards for the following season, ensuring a proper career pathway for aspiring professionals. All ADT events receive Official World Golf Ranking points.

Phuket, May 8: New Asian Development Tour (ADT) champion Nitithorn Thippong of Thailand hopes to continue his winning ways at the Singha Laguna Phuket Open which gets underway on Thursday. 

The 21-year-old Nitithorn enjoyed a breakthrough win at the PGM Penang Championship last week and he will now turn his attention to the BAHT2 million (approx. US$64,000) ADT event staged at the picturesque Laguna Golf Phuket.

Nitithorn, who currently sits in third position on the Order of Merit following his victory, will be joined by his younger brother Pisitchai, and ADT winners Oscar Zetterwall of Sweden, Poosit Supupramai of Thailand and Blake Snyder of the United States.

The young Thai came close to winning on the ADT on numerous occasions since turning professional in 2015 and was delighted to cross the finishing line in style last week.  

“I came so close so many times this year and it’s so amazing that I can finally get the job done in Malaysia. There was so much pressure on the last three holes but I’m happy to win,” said Nitithorn, who pipped former PGA Tour player Miguel Carballo and Kokocinski by two shots.

He will be buoyant by his soaring confidence and will stick to the game plan which guided him to victory.

“I had a good game plan last week. My coach and I split the game into nine holes, five holes and then four holes. The first nine holes, I focused on my routine and the second five holes, I tried to be aggressive and make birdies. And finally the last four holes I played with a free and happy mind.

“This strategy really worked for me on the last day. My hands were shaking and I have never felt pressure like that in a long time so I was really proud of the fact that I managed myself so well on that last day,” said the Thai.

“I don’t think about whether I am on home ground I just think about my win last week and bringing over the experience I gained from playing in the final group so I can just have fun this week,” Nitithorn smiled.

The Singha Laguna Phuket Open is the eighth leg of the 2018 ADT schedule this year. Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points are offered on all ADT events with the winner earning a total of six OWGR points while the top-six players and ties earn points on a sliding scale.

The leading five players on the ADT Order of Merit at the end of the season will earn playing rights on the premier Asian Tour for the 2019 season.

About Laguna Golf Phuket

Laguna Golf Phuket is an 18-hole, par 71 golf course situated in the heart of Asia’s first integrated resort – Laguna Phuket, conveniently accessible by complimentary shuttle service from the surrounding hotels. Thoroughly redesigned and reopened in 2015, the new landscaping with great emphasis on natural surroundings and wildlife provides golfers a whole new golfing experience. During the game, a tranquil journey into the native cultural experience with infused local elements creates a unique sense of place. The Thai villa design clubhouse offers a host of luxury facilities, including a well-stocked Pro Shop and international dining option. The course also features Southeast Asia’s first PGA-branded golf academy, offering a holistic learning experience by PGA instructors with a wide range of teaching packages, and extensive practice facilities including dedicated swing rooms with Trackman video analysis, as well as a purpose-built fitness studio with private sessions designed to improve your performance on the course.

About Asian Development Tour

The Asian Development Tour was launched in 2010 with the aim of creating a career pathway for professional golfers in Asia. Sanctioned by the Asian Tour, the Asian Development Tour will ultimately create a new playing platform for emerging stars from across Asia and around the world. Through the Asian Tour Qualifying School, players will qualify for the Asian Development Tour and enjoy the opportunity to hone their games and talent through a secondary circuit in Asia. Designed in the same structure as the Web.com Tour in America and European Challenge Tour, the Asian Development Tour is a stepping stone to the Asian Tour and the exciting world of international golf. The Asian Development Tour has been structured to ensure the best opportunities for its members. The leading five players on the Asian Development Tour will earn coveted Asian Tour cards for the following season, ensuring a proper career pathway for aspiring professionals. All ADT events receive Official World Golf Ranking points.

Phuket, May 9: A resurgent Itthipat Buranatanyarat will be looking to ride on his good form when the second edition of the Singha Laguna Phuket Open gets underway on Thursday.

The 24-year-old Thai will head to the ฿2 million (approx. US$64,000) Asian Development Tour (ADT) event on the back of his recent victory on the Thai PGA Tour. It was his sixth professional win since he joined the play-for pay ranks in 2014.

Itthipat will be pitting his skills against an elite field which includes American John Michael O’Toole, Swede Oscar Zetterwall and Australian Martin Dive at the award-winning Laguna Golf Phuket.

Itthipat, who has enjoyed two top-10 finishes in his last three starts on the ADT, credits his good form to a good support system he enjoys at home and his enhanced workout regime.

“I have been working hard with a new trainer that my father recommended me to see on building strength and conditioning. Getting my body back on track this year was key and I can see the changes in my swing and my overall game,” said the Thai who is nicknamed, Boom.

“My father has always been a big part of my career. He plans out my schedule for me and is also my biggest supporter. He has been my mental coach since I first started playing golf and he never gets mad when I come back with a bad round. I call him after every round and he knows all the right things to say to encourage me and keep me going,” added Itthipat.

Itthipat is eager to return to the course where he carded four consistent rounds in the 60s. He will be banking on his course knowledge and ability to play well in harsh conditions for a top finish in Phuket.

“We had to play through heavy rain during this tournament last year and I am proud of the fact that I was able to stay in control and put up four good rounds. My win in Nakhon Nayok two weeks ago was a difficult one too since it rained all week and I had to play different shots into the strong winds. If I can win in such difficult conditions, I am confident I can play well anywhere,” added Itthipat.

Other notable names in the 156-man field is American Blake Snyder, a two-time ADT winner, and Japan’s Shinichi Mizuno who finished tied-fifth last week in Penang. Newly-crowned ADT winner Nitithorn Thippong will spearhead the local charge along with Poosit Supupramai and Kasidit Lepkurte.

The Singha Laguna Phuket Open is the eighth leg of the 2018 ADT schedule and the tour’s first stop in Thailand this year. Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points are offered on all ADT events with the winner earning a total of six OWGR points while the top-six players and ties earn points on a sliding scale.

The leading five players on the ADT Order of Merit at the end of the season will earn playing rights on the premier Asian Tour for the 2019 season.

About Laguna Golf Phuket

Laguna Golf Phuket is an 18-hole, par 71 golf course situated in the heart of Asia’s first integrated resort – Laguna Phuket, conveniently accessible by complimentary shuttle service from the surrounding hotels. Thoroughly redesigned and reopened in 2015, the new landscaping with great emphasis on natural surroundings and wildlife provides golfers a whole new golfing experience. During the game, a tranquil journey into the native cultural experience with infused local elements creates a unique sense of place. The Thai villa design clubhouse offers a host of luxury facilities, including a well-stocked Pro Shop and international dining option. The course also features Southeast Asia’s first PGA-branded golf academy, offering a holistic learning experience by PGA instructors with a wide range of teaching packages, and extensive practice facilities including dedicated swing rooms with Trackman video analysis, as well as a purpose-built fitness studio with private sessions designed to improve your performance on the course.

About Asian Development Tour

The Asian Development Tour was launched in 2010 with the aim of creating a career pathway for professional golfers in Asia. Sanctioned by the Asian Tour, the Asian Development Tour will ultimately create a new playing platform for emerging stars from across Asia and around the world. Through the Asian Tour Qualifying School, players will qualify for the Asian Development Tour and enjoy the opportunity to hone their games and talent through a secondary circuit in Asia. Designed in the same structure as the Web.com Tour in America and European Challenge Tour, the Asian Development Tour is a stepping stone to the Asian Tour and the exciting world of international golf. The Asian Development Tour has been structured to ensure the best opportunities for its members. The leading five players on the Asian Development Tour will earn coveted Asian Tour cards for the following season, ensuring a proper career pathway for aspiring professionals. All ADT events receive Official World Golf Ranking points.

May 10: Keep up with the live scores here 

Phuket, May 10: Thai prospect Varanyu Rattanaphiboonkij signed for a blistering eight-under-par 62 to grab the opening round lead at the Singha Laguna Phuket Open on Thursday.

The 21-year-old fired 10 birdies against two bogeys to hold a two-shot lead at the ฿2 million (approx. US$64,000) event co-sanctioned by the Asian Development Tour (ADT) event and the All Thailand Golf Tour.

Sweden’s Oscar Zetterwall trails by two shots to share second-place with newly-crowned ADT winner Nitithorn Thippong on matching 64s at the award-winning Laguna Golf Phuket.

Nicknamed “Bank” by his parents, the young Thai birdied six of his first seven holes before dropping a shot on hole nine, when he missed a two-footer for par. He recovered soon after with birdies on 10, 11, 14 and 17 but would drop another shot on 18.

“I am very happy with my round today, it is my lowest round in a professional tournament! I was hitting everything good today and making a lot of putts. I knew I was playing well but I wasn’t thinking about the score,” said Varanyu who only totalled 25 putts.

“The course is much tougher compared to last year. The rough is difficult to hit out of. My bogeys on holes nine and 18 were because I missed the fairway so it was tougher to find the green on the approach,” added the Thai who is vying for his maiden ADT win.

Starting on hole one, Zetterwall carded a blemish-free round with six birdies, highlighted by a near eagle on hole six. He credited his low round to his solid short game accompanied by consistent tee shots which kept his ball out of the thick rough.

“The course is pretty short but the key for me was to keep my ball in play and I was hitting my driver well today. I nearly had an eagle on hole six but my approach leaped out of the hole and ran off the green. I made the up-and-down for par which was the highlight of my round because I think I would have been pretty upset if I didn’t get to make the putt,” said the two-time ADT winner.

India’s Samarth Dwivedi sits at tied-fourth with American John Michael O’Toole after a 65 while Thailand’s Pawin Ingkhapradit and South African Mathiam Keyser are in sixth place on 66.

The Singha Laguna Phuket Open is the eighth leg of the 2018 ADT schedule and the tour’s first stop in Thailand this year. Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points are offered on all ADT events with the winner earning a total of six OWGR points while the top-six players and ties earn points on a sliding scale.

The leading five players on the ADT Order of Merit at the end of the season will earn playing rights on the premier Asian Tour for the 2019 season.

Ends.

Leading round one scores

62 – Varanyu RATTANAPHIBOONKIJ (THA) 

64 – Oscar ZETTERWALL (SWE) , Nitithorn THIPPONG (THA) 

65 – Samarth DWIVEDI (IND) , John Michael O’TOOLE (USA) 

66 – Pawin INGKHAPRADIT (THA) , Mathiam KEYSER (RSA) 

67 – Simon YATES (SCO) , Supakrit RATTANAKAMPHOL (THA) , Puk PRADITTAN (THA) 

68 – Hein SITHU (MYN) , Justin DE LOS SANTOS (USA) , Worrasorn SUWANPANANG (THA) , Tawan PHONGPHUN (THA) , Wisut ARTJANAWAT (THA) , Donlaphatchai NIYOMCHON (THA) , LOW Khai Jei (MAS) , Poom PATTAROPONG (THA) 

About Laguna Golf Phuket

Laguna Golf Phuket is an 18-hole, par 71 golf course situated in the heart of Asia’s first integrated resort – Laguna Phuket, conveniently accessible by complimentary shuttle service from the surrounding hotels. Thoroughly redesigned and reopened in 2015, the new landscaping with great emphasis on natural surroundings and wildlife provides golfers a whole new golfing experience. During the game, a tranquil journey into the native cultural experience with infused local elements creates a unique sense of place. The Thai villa design clubhouse offers a host of luxury facilities, including a well-stocked Pro Shop and international dining option. The course also features Southeast Asia’s first PGA-branded golf academy, offering a holistic learning experience by PGA instructors with a wide range of teaching packages, and extensive practice facilities including dedicated swing rooms with Trackman video analysis, as well as a purpose-built fitness studio with private sessions designed to improve your performance on the course.

About Asian Development Tour

The Asian Development Tour was launched in 2010 with the aim of creating a career pathway for professional golfers in Asia. Sanctioned by the Asian Tour, the Asian Development Tour will ultimately create a new playing platform for emerging stars from across Asia and around the world. Through the Asian Tour Qualifying School, players will qualify for the Asian Development Tour and enjoy the opportunity to hone their games and talent through a secondary circuit in Asia. Designed in the same structure as the Web.com Tour in America and European Challenge Tour, the Asian Development Tour is a stepping stone to the Asian Tour and the exciting world of international golf. The Asian Development Tour has been structured to ensure the best opportunities for its members. The leading five players on the Asian Development Tour will earn coveted Asian Tour cards for the following season, ensuring a proper career pathway for aspiring professionals. All ADT events receive Official World Golf Ranking points.

Phuket, May 11: Thailand’s Varanyu Rattanaphiboonkij maintained his position at the top with his second round of nine-under-par 61 at the Singha Laguna Phuket Open on Friday.

The 21-year-old Thai carded a flawless round with seven birdies and one eagle to lead the field by seven strokes on a 17-under-par 123 total at the ฿2 million (approx. US$64,000) event co-sanctioned by the Asian Development Tour (ADT) and the All Thailand Golf Tour.

Compatriot Nitithorn Thippong proved relentless in his pursuit of a second ADT win when he returned with a solid round of 66 to take second-place on his own, while Sweden’s Oscar Zetterwall took third place following a 67 at Laguna Phuket.

Starting on the back nine, Varanyu eagled hole 14 after a good drive and solid approach with his five-iron left him with a three-footer tap-in. He made the turn at three-under after a birdie on 18 and would follow with six birdies for an inward 29.

“I was hitting everything solid and I played the three par fives on this course very well and managed to hit the green in two shots on all of them. I enjoy playing this course and being on home ground. Especially since my mother is out here to watch me this week so I want to do well,” said Varanyu.

His low round which topped his opening 62, marked his lowest tournament round he achieved since he turned professional in 2015 and he credits his brother, nicknamed “Benz”, who is on his bag this week.

“I wasn’t nervous at all and I just stuck to my game plan of making fairways and greens. Benz and I were reading the lines well on the greens and I trusted him,” said Varanyu who is vying for a maiden win.

ADT winner Nitithorn mixed his card with six birdies and one double-bogey on the second hole when he pushed his eight-iron into the hazard.

“I was playing steady golf all day except for one missed shot. The pin was tucked in the right side and there was a hazard to the right of the green. I told myself to keep it short and hit it left but I pushed it right instead. But I made 16 greens today which was key for me and there were a lot of positives from the round,” said the 21-year-old.

Playing in the same group tomorrow, the Thai hotshot is ready to put up a good fight against his close friend Varanyu, who played junior golf with him before he joined the play-for-pay ranks.

“I am happy to be playing with him tomorrow since I haven’t seen him in awhile. He is playing so well and I want to try and catch up with him tomorrow on moving day,” added Nitithorn.

The halfway cut was set at one-over-par 141 with a total of 57 players qualifying for the final two rounds.

The Singha Laguna Phuket Open is the eighth leg of the 2018 ADT schedule and the tour’s first stop in Thailand this year. Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points are offered on all ADT events with the winner earning a total of six OWGR points while the top-six players and ties earn points on a sliding scale.

The leading five players on the ADT Order of Merit at the end of the season will earn playing rights on the premier Asian Tour for the 2019 season.

Ends.

Leading Round Two scores:

123 – Varanyu RATTANAPHIBOONKIJ (THA) 62 61

About Laguna Golf Phuket

Laguna Golf Phuket is an 18-hole, par 71 golf course situated in the heart of Asia’s first integrated resort – Laguna Phuket, conveniently accessible by complimentary shuttle service from the surrounding hotels. Thoroughly redesigned and reopened in 2015, the new landscaping with great emphasis on natural surroundings and wildlife provides golfers a whole new golfing experience. During the game, a tranquil journey into the native cultural experience with infused local elements creates a unique sense of place. The Thai villa design clubhouse offers a host of luxury facilities, including a well-stocked Pro Shop and international dining option. The course also features Southeast Asia’s first PGA-branded golf academy, offering a holistic learning experience by PGA instructors with a wide range of teaching packages, and extensive practice facilities including dedicated swing rooms with Trackman video analysis, as well as a purpose-built fitness studio with private sessions designed to improve your performance on the course.

About Asian Development Tour

The Asian Development Tour was launched in 2010 with the aim of creating a career pathway for professional golfers in Asia. Sanctioned by the Asian Tour, the Asian Development Tour will ultimately create a new playing platform for emerging stars from across Asia and around the world. Through the Asian Tour Qualifying School, players will qualify for the Asian Development Tour and enjoy the opportunity to hone their games and talent through a secondary circuit in Asia. Designed in the same structure as the Web.com Tour in America and European Challenge Tour, the Asian Development Tour is a stepping stone to the Asian Tour and the exciting world of international golf. The Asian Development Tour has been structured to ensure the best opportunities for its members. The leading five players on the Asian Development Tour will earn coveted Asian Tour cards for the following season, ensuring a proper career pathway for aspiring professionals. All ADT events receive Official World Golf Ranking points.

Phuket, May 12: Thailand’s Varanyu Rattanaphiboonkij extended his lead by eight shots after shooting a one-under-par 69 in the third round of the Singha Laguna Phuket Open on Saturday.

The 21-year-old Thai, who has led since round one, put himself in prime position for his first professional win. He leads on 18-under-par 192 at the award-winning Laguna Phuket course.

New Asian Development Tour (ADT) winner Nitithorn Thippong of Thailand, who was victorious last week, posted a 70 to sit in second place while Mathiam Keyser of South Africa returned with a 68 for third place, nine shots back of the leader.

Pawin Ingkhapradit registered a 67 for fourth place in a leaderboard which was mostly dominated by Thai golfers in the event sanctioned by the ADT and the All Thailand Golf Tour.   

Varanyu played superbly in the first two rounds but he struggled with his tee shots and a cold putter in a round of two birdies against one bogey.

“I was struggling with my drives today and hitting it left and right. I couldn’t make any birdies in the first nine too so when I made the 15-footer for birdie on hole 10 I was very relieved. I hit a really good approach on hole 14 with my five-iron but I missed the five-footer for eagle. Overall my putting was not as good today,” said Varanyu.

“I think hole 16 was a tough hole because the pin position today was crazy. It was right behind a bunker so you had to hit it to the middle of the green and play it safe. I hit my shot left of the green and duffed my first chip, so I had to two-putt from off the green,” added the Thai who is nicknamed ‘Bank’.

Nitithorn was disappointed not to close the gap on his compatriot Varanyu after trading three birdies against as many bogeys. The young Thai currently sits in third place on the ADT Order of Merit and hopes to cement his position with a solid result on Sunday.

“A lot of the pins today were on slopes and I had to play it safe and hit it to the middle of the green a lot. I struggled with my driver today too and I only made six fairways,” said the 21-year-old Thai.

Nitithorn will apply the same game plan which helped him to victory on the ADT in Malaysia last week.  

“I enjoyed playing and watching Bank today. He played so well and I am happy to be playing with him in the final group tomorrow. I just need to think like how I did last week and make as many pars as I can and we’ll see how it goes tomorrow,” added the Thai.

Thailand’s Phanuvich Onchu had reason to celebrate after acing the eighth hole from 188 yards with a six-iron. He returned with a round of 70 but his hole-in-one earned him a bottle of wine, a two-night stay at Cassia Hotel and a complimentary round of golf at Laguna Golf Phuket.

The Singha Laguna Phuket Open is the eighth leg of the 2018 ADT. Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points are offered on all ADT events with the winner earning a total of six OWGR points while the top-six players and ties earn points on a sliding scale.

The leading five players on the ADT Order of Merit at the end of the season will earn playing rights on the premier Asian Tour for the 2019 season.

Ends.

Leading Round Three scores:

192 – Varanyu RATTANAPHIBOONKIJ (THA) 62 61 69

200 – Nitithorn THIPPONG (THA) 64 66 70

201 – Mathiam KEYSER (RSA) 66 67 68

202 – Pawin INGKHAPRADIT (THA) 66 69 67

204 – Worrasorn SUWANPANANG (THA) 68 67 69

205 – Kasidit LEPKURTE (THA) 75 66 64, Kwanchai TANNIN (THA) 69 68 68, Hein SITHU (MYN) 68 68 69, John Michael O’TOOLE (USA) 65 71 69, Oscar ZETTERWALL (SWE) 64 67 74

About Laguna Golf Phuket

Laguna Golf Phuket is an 18-hole, par 71 golf course situated in the heart of Asia’s first integrated resort – Laguna Phuket, conveniently accessible by complimentary shuttle service from the surrounding hotels. Thoroughly redesigned and reopened in 2015, the new landscaping with great emphasis on natural surroundings and wildlife provides golfers a whole new golfing experience. During the game, a tranquil journey into the native cultural experience with infused local elements creates a unique sense of place. The Thai villa design clubhouse offers a host of luxury facilities, including a well-stocked Pro Shop and international dining option. The course also features Southeast Asia’s first PGA-branded golf academy, offering a holistic learning experience by PGA instructors with a wide range of teaching packages, and extensive practice facilities including dedicated swing rooms with Trackman video analysis, as well as a purpose-built fitness studio with private sessions designed to improve your performance on the course.

About Asian Development Tour

The Asian Development Tour was launched in 2010 with the aim of creating a career pathway for professional golfers in Asia. Sanctioned by the Asian Tour, the Asian Development Tour will ultimately create a new playing platform for emerging stars from across Asia and around the world. Through the Asian Tour Qualifying School, players will qualify for the Asian Development Tour and enjoy the opportunity to hone their games and talent through a secondary circuit in Asia. Designed in the same structure as the Web.com Tour in America and European Challenge Tour, the Asian Development Tour is a stepping stone to the Asian Tour and the exciting world of international golf. The Asian Development Tour has been structured to ensure the best opportunities for its members. The leading five players on the Asian Development Tour will earn coveted Asian Tour cards for the following season, ensuring a proper career pathway for aspiring professionals. All ADT events receive Official World Golf Ranking points.

Nakorn Pathom, Thailand, May 22: Thailand’s Tirawat Kaewsiribandit will be eyeing for a successful title defence at the popular Betagro Championship which gets underway at the Suwan Golf and Country Club on Thursday.

The 28-year-old Tirawat, who turned professional in 2010, had battled through a back injury to lift his first Asian Development Tour (ADT) title with a three-shot victory last year, albeit on a different course.

His breakthrough win spurred him to four top-10 finishes on the Asian Tour where he finished on a career-high 36th place on the 2017 Order of Merit, thereby retaining his playing rights on the region’s premier Tour for the 2018 season.

Despite making only one cut in seven starts on the Asian Tour so far this season, the lanky Thai is hopeful of turning his season around with a repeat victory at the ฿3,000,000 (approx. US$96,000) event, which is the ADT’s second stop in Thailand this year.

“My game has definitely improved a lot after winning on the ADT last year. It was a great boost to my confidence. I remember I couldn’t even rotate my hips through my swing at one point last year because of the back injury and I had to take a break from golf for a month,” said Tirawat.

“I have been taking care of my body since the injury and doing a lot of stretching which helps. It’s so important to be mindful of your body especially after you have recovered from an injury.

“I am just grateful that I can play 18 holes without feeling any pain now and I am happy to be playing golf without having to think so much,” he added.

Tirawat will lead a strong Thai contingent which includes reigning ADT Order of Merit champion Pannakorn Uthaipas, newly-crowned ADT winners Varanyu Rattanaphiboonkij and Nitithorn Thippong, in the event, jointly sanctioned by the All Thailand Golf Tour and the ADT.

Singapore’s Johnson Poh, Argentinean Miguel Carballo and Sweden’s Oscar Zetterwall placed second, third and fifth and respectively on the ADT Order of Merit, will also feature in the talented 144-man field, which consists of 60 players from the ADT, 64 players from the All Thailand Golf Tour and 20 players from the Qualifier.

Other notable names include Australian duo Marcus Both and Adam Blyth and India’s Himmat Rai, all winners on the Asian Tour.

The Betagro Championship is the ninth leg on the ADT’s 2018 schedule. All ADT events are afforded Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) status. The winner of each tournament receives a minimum of six OWGR points while the top-six players and ties earn points on a sliding scale.

The leading five players on the ADT Order of Merit at the end of the season will earn playing rights on the premier Asian Tour for the 2019 season.

For more information on the ADT, please visit www.asiandevelopmenttour.com.

Ends.

About Asian Development Tour

The Asian Development Tour was launched in 2010 with the aim of creating a career pathway for professional golfers in Asia. Sanctioned by the Asian Tour, the Asian Development Tour will ultimately create a new playing platform for emerging stars from across Asia and around the world. Through the Asian Tour Qualifying School, players will qualify for the Asian Development Tour and enjoy the opportunity to hone their games and talent through a secondary circuit in Asia. Designed in the same structure as the Web.com Tour in America and European Challenge Tour, the Asian Development Tour is a stepping stone to the Asian Tour and the exciting world of international golf. The Asian Development Tour has been structured to ensure the best opportunities for its members. The leading five players on the Asian Development Tour will earn coveted Asian Tour cards for the following season, ensuring a proper career pathway for aspiring professionals. All ADT events receive Official World Golf Ranking points.